Circuit make and break device



NOV. 28, 1939. c LARCAMP 2,181,374

CIRCUIT MAKE AND BREAK DEVICE Filed Sept. 15, 1936 BY M Patented Nov. 28, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

My invention relates to improvements in automotive signal controls and particularly to a circuit maker and breaker, a fiexure means of controlling an electrical circuit when the motor 5 vehicle deviates from a straight ahead course.

Its principal objects are: To provide adequate means for automatically breaking the circuit when no longer needed for service and restoring the circuit to normal for the next operation and. avoid inadvertence in driving and confusion in trafiic. My invention comprises two distinct switches combined in one unit which cooperates in accomplishing the objects stated.

They are illustrated by the accompanying drawing in which similar letters and figures of reference indicate like parts. Referring thereto, Fi ure 1 illustrates the means employed to disrupt the right and left turn circuits by action of the steering wheel automatically.

Figure 2 is a detail transverse section of the two part circular member shown in Figure 1 deathed. The connecting lines in the drawing indicate the electric wiring necessary to operate the mechanism shown, and connections are made in the usual well known way except as particularly stated and contact and terminal posts are located accordingly as shown in the drawing. It is understood that the relays and circuit con nections shown in Figure 1 are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. Description of invention is as follows: The electric drum comprising a pair of circular disks B and C spaced apart as shown in Figure 1 is rotatable by means of a gear K and pinion J which are operable by the arm F and connecting rod M engaging the drag-link N which actuates the front wheels of the motor vehicle in the well known way. The segment B of the drum is insulated which may be of any electrical insulation best adapted to this particular service, and the opposite segment C is a conductor. Lines connecting I and D are flexible conductors to facilitate the movement of contact finger D. The lines connecting E go to ground. The lines connecting G go to ground as shown by the electrical symbol. Regardless of the position of the drum one of the collector shoes E is in contact with segment C. To allow for a slight veer and lost motion in steering mechanism movable contact finger D, Figure 1, is set off center of drum in contact with conductor segment C. Hence, a variation of a two to four degree are will not disrupt the circuit.

The object of two separate switches in the one unit is to be able to make a right swing out of the line of traffic without disrupting the left turn circuit when it is energized before making the left turn to comply with a traffic rule in certain communities.

Drawing shows circuit maker and breaker in straight ahead position and connected in series with relays. Circuit through holding coil of magnetic relay is continued to contact terminal post I; thence, through flexible conductor to movable contact finger D. One end of contact finger D is in contact with segment C. Segment C is in sliding contact with collector shoe E, thence to ground.

The invention operates as follows: The drum is mounted to turn either right or left direction following the like turn of the steering wheel. In this movement the movable contact finger D is pivotable and in frictional contact with c, and C has brought the free end of contact finger D in electrical contact with stationary contact G before the frictional end of movable contact finger D has left conductor segment C. Thus the current has been shunted to stationary contact G. As the drum rotates further the insulated segment B engages movable finger D. The vehicle is turned as far as desired to negotiate the desired turn. Then the operator brings the vehicle to a straight ahead position. This movement in like manner rotates the drum in a reverse direction. The reference characters L, R, S, Fig. 1, are illustrative of the maneuver of the vehicle only.

The drum moving in the aforesaid reverse direction actuates the movable contact finger D in a way as to make a quick break of the circuit between the movable contact finger D and the stationary contact G disconnecting the magnetic relay. The further movement of the drum brings the free end of movable contact finger D back to stop 1-1 which retards further movement of movable contact finger D. The vehicle is now back to its straight ahead course and the circuit maker and breaker is back at the normal straight ahead position.

What I claim is:

In a motor vehicle having an electric system, means for making and breaking electric circuits, comprising in combination, a shiftable member composing a pair of segments, one being a conductor, and the other an insulated member, a stationary contact terminal, a movable contact finger interposed between the shiftable member and the stationary contact terminal, said finger adapted to engage the contact terminal and the conductor section of the shiftable member when shifted in one direction, and engage the insulated section when shifted in the opposite direction, and means for actuating the shiftable member in opposite directions, substantially as set forth.

CHARLES LARCAMP. 

